We were recently invited to a Purcari wines masterclass at Smith & Wollensky, hosted by Regional Director Artiom Juc, who took us through a selection of the winery’s wines and its history.
Founded in 1827, Château Purcari is one of Moldova’s oldest wineries. It first gained international recognition in 1878, when its Negru de Purcari won gold at the World Exhibition in Paris. The wines were later served at European royal courts, including the British royal household, giving rise to its "Queen’s wine” association.
Its history spans the Russian Empire, the Soviet era and independent Moldova, including periods of political and economic change. Russian wine embargoes against Moldova in 2006 and 2013 pushed the winery to diversify its export markets. In 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Purcari provided assistance and accommodation to thousands of Ukrainian refugees. The Purcari Foundation, established that year, continues to support social, medical, educational and community initiatives.
Purcari’s wines reflect both its terroir and Moldova’s grape heritage. Alongside international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay, the winery works with indigenous grapes including Fetească Neagră, Rară Neagră and Viorica. These local varieties are an important part of what gives Purcari’s portfolio its distinctly Moldovan identity.
In Malaysia, Purcari is brought in by Vinul Wines, an importer focused specifically on Moldovan wines, giving local drinkers the opportunity to explore wines from a region that is still relatively unfamiliar here.
For more:
https://www.chateau-purcari.com/
https://www.vinulwines.com/
